Italy’s great musical archaeologist and one of the outstanding improvisers of his country, Gianluigi Trovesi with “Profumo di Violetta” indulges in his love for the emotional drama and musical beauty of Italian opera. (The title simultaneously alludes to the protagonist of Verdi’s famous opera “La traviata” and to the flower’s sweet perfume.) Accompanied by the characteristic North-Italian provincial “banda”, a large wind orchestra with percussion as we find it in the on-stage-music of most Verdi operas, Trovesi takes us on a humorous journey through the history of the genre. It starts with Monteverdi’s “Orfeo”, includes many highlights from “La traviata” before briefly visiting Mascagni and Puccini. The popular and the sublime, irony and unrestrained pathos meet with an improvisational spirit that conveys the pure joy of music making. One of the most unorthodox albums in this year’s release schedule, Trovesi’s opera project is likely to win many enthusiastic listeners among opera lovers and open-minded jazz enthusiasts.